Last Man Standing Season Finale Review: Sometimes You Just Need Some “Shadowboxing”

Another season has come and gone, and Last Man Standing, and the season finale was another important, funny story. Last Man Standing has really nailed the true to life stories that don’t necessarily have a right or wrong answer, and still managed to do so while getting laughs at every turn. Here’s hoping that it will do well enough to warrant one more season!

This week on Last Man Standing: Eve and Kristin convince Vanessa to go to their kickboxing class with them, but it doesn’t quite turn out like they’d expect. Meanwhile, Mandy needs to shadow Mike for one of her classes, but what she learns from him conflicts with what the teacher is teaching. Chuck and Joe get into a fiht over who should be the corporate softball team’s pitcher, and Mandy escalates the feud.

On the surface, I could see how people might think this was a filler episode, and that it wouldn’t make for a good season finale. They’re right, in part, because there was not really any sort of finality to it. A show on the perpetual bubble might want to think about giving some sort of closure in a season finale after 6 years, but at the same time, I appreciate that they didn’t adjust or change the way they operate based on uncertainty. Last Man Standing exudes confidence, and I still believe that there is legitimate hope for a 7th season. Don’t believe me? Just check out some ratings of other networks on Friday nights.

This episode wasn’t overly clever in itself, but one of the main points really stuck with me. Mike handling the situation differently than Mandy’s teacher points out a fundamental flaw with people’s belief systems: there isn’t only one way of doing things. There is a place for book theory and conflict resolution plans in the workplace and in school, and there is a place for practical solutions based on experience. That story taught us a familiar lesson for regular Last Man Standing viewers, which is that there is not always a correct, one size fits all solution to every problem. Of course, they still taught us in their own unique style: Mandy sticking her nose in something, and Chuck and Joe fighting about something. That’s what makes this show unique.

I’m not sure I understand the overall point of the kickboxing story, but even if the point was “for your enjoyment”, then it absolutely hit the mark. I suppose it’s fair to assume that Vanessa has rage built up, being married to such a stubborn guy and being busy all the time. But some people just thrive off of being busy! Either way, this story was another marvelous showcase for the actresses on this show, especially Nancy Travis.

Here are a few other thoughts/funny moments:

• “It’s amazing that you didn’t just forge my signature. You’ve really lost a step since high school.”
• “Fair went out with Obama”
• Cronuts!
• I would like to get Jay Leno on this show as much as possible. Series regular for Season 7? Please?
• “Are you nuts?! I’m just a little kid!! My mom’s here!”- Eve knows exactly when to turn it up and turn it down based on her audience. Genius.

Overall, I’m pleased with both the finale and the season at large. I’d like for a finale to have a little more closure, but then again, perhaps this just exudes confidence that we will see our Outdoor Man family again. Here’s hoping!

What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know in the comments!